Invisible Armies: An Epic History of Guerrilla Warfare from Ancient Times to the Present

In 'Invisible Armies', Max Boot takes readers on a gripping journey through the shadowy world of guerrilla warfare, revealing how unconventional tactics have shaped pivotal moments in history. From the ancient Spartans to modern conflicts, the book uncovers the strategies that turn the tides of war and illuminate the resilience of the underdog. Boot offers vivid anecdotes and deep insights into the minds of guerrilla leaders, showcasing the adaptability and cunning of their campaigns. As he examines both successful and failed uprisings, the complexity of war and its moral dilemmas become starkly clear. This compelling narrative not only challenges our understanding of warfare but also ignites curiosity about how these timeless strategies continue to resonate today.

By Max Boot

Published: 2013

""In the shadows of conventional warfare, the true battles of ingenuity and resilience are often fought by those unseen, whose tactics redefine the art of conflict.""

Invisible Armies: An Epic History of Guerrilla Warfare from Ancient Times to the PresentBook binding

Start Listening

0:000:00

What Readers Say About This Book

Describes the history of unconventional and nontraditional warfare from the nomads used by Alexander the Great to the shadowy modern battlefields of the post-9/11 era and featuring a diverse cast of historical tacticians and revolutionaries from Mao Zedong to Edward Lansdale.

Mike & Casey Show Logo

The Mike & Casey Show

Dive into captivating book discussions with our expert hosts

Key Points from Invisible Armies: An Epic History of Guerrilla Warfare from Ancient Times to the Present

About the Author

M

Max Boot

Max Boot is a distinguished military historian and foreign policy analyst, known for his insightful commentary and extensive knowledge of international affairs. He is the author of several notable works, including "The Road Not Taken: Edward Lansdale and the American Tragedy in Vietnam" and "Invisible Armies: An Epic History of Guerrilla Warfare from Ancient Times to the Present." Boot's writing style is characterized by meticulous research and a compelling narrative, making complex historical and political issues accessible to a broad audience. His contributions to major publications such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Foreign Affairs reflect his expertise and influence in contemporary debates on military strategy and foreign policy.

Book Details

Key information about the book.

Authors
Max Boot
Published
October 2013
Publisher
W. W. Norton & Company
ISBN
0871406888
Language
English
Pages
N/A
Genres
HistoryPolitical HistoryMilitary HistoryPolitics and Current Affairs

Purchase Options

Amazon logoBuy on Amazon
BookShop logoBuy via BookShop

Support local bookstores: BookShop gives a portion of each sale to independent bookshops!

Similar books you might like →

The Lessons of HistoryBook binding

The Lessons of History

Will Durant, Ariel Durant

A Brief History of TimeBook binding

A Brief History of Time

Stephen Hawking

Voices of a People's History of the United States, 10th Anniversary EditionBook binding

Voices of a People's History of the United States, 10th Anniversary Edition

Howard Zinn, Anthony Arnove

The History of the FutureBook binding

The History of the Future

Blake J. Harris

A History of the WifeBook binding

A History of the Wife

Marilyn Yalom

The City in HistoryBook binding

The City in History

Lewis Mumford

The History of the Decline & Fall of the Roman EmpireBook binding

The History of the Decline & Fall of the Roman Empire

Edward Gibbon

A History of Economic TheoryBook binding

A History of Economic Theory

Jürg Niehans

A History of GodBook binding

A History of God

Karen Armstrong

A Brief History of Everything (20th Anniversary Edition)Book binding

A Brief History of Everything (20th Anniversary Edition)

Ken Wilber

A Short History of Nearly EverythingBook binding

A Short History of Nearly Everything

Bill Bryson

Hardcore HistoryBook binding

Hardcore History

Dan Carlin

A Little History of the WorldBook binding

A Little History of the World

E. H. Gombrich

Meggs' History of Graphic DesignBook binding

Meggs' History of Graphic Design

Philip B. Meggs, Alston W. Purvis

Big HistoryBook binding

Big History

Cynthia Stokes Brown

A People's History of the United StatesBook binding

A People's History of the United States

Howard Zinn

Marriage, a HistoryBook binding

Marriage, a History

Stephanie Coontz

History of the WorldBook binding

History of the World

John Morris Roberts

A History of the World in 100 ObjectsBook binding

A History of the World in 100 Objects

Neil MacGregor

The Idea of Decline in Western HistoryBook binding

The Idea of Decline in Western History

Arthur Herman

A History of CivilizationsBook binding

A History of Civilizations

Fernand Braudel

A History of World AgricultureBook binding

A History of World Agriculture

Marcel Mazoyer, Laurence Roudart

The History of the Peloponnesian WarBook binding

The History of the Peloponnesian War

Thucydides

A History of the MindBook binding

A History of the Mind

Nicholas Humphrey

The History of MoneyBook binding

The History of Money

Jack Weatherford

History of Western PhilosophyBook binding

History of Western Philosophy

Bertrand Russell

The Future Is HistoryBook binding

The Future Is History

Masha Gessen

A Brief History of Seven KillingsBook binding

A Brief History of Seven Killings

Marlon James

A Short History of Financial EuphoriaBook binding

A Short History of Financial Euphoria

John Kenneth Galbraith

Doubt: A HistoryBook binding

Doubt: A History

Jennifer Hecht

Take your reading experience to the next level

Download our mobile app to enjoy your favorite books on the go. Get access to exclusive features, offline listening, and personalized recommendations.

Download on the App Store

Book Collections you might like →

Jon Hamm's Book Recommendations

Jon Hamm's Book Recommendations

Jon Hamm is an American actor best known for his role as Don Draper in the critically acclaimed television series "Mad Men," which aired from 2007 to 2015. While Hamm's achievements are primarily in acting, his portrayal of the complex, enigmatic ad executive has been lauded for its depth and nuance, significantly impacting television storytelling. His performance earned him numerous awards, including a Golden Globe and an Emmy. Beyond "Mad Men," Hamm has appeared in various films and TV shows, showcasing his versatility across genres. Though not primarily a literary figure, his work has influenced contemporary narratives and character development in modern media.

View Collection
Coleen Baik's Book Recommendations

Coleen Baik's Book Recommendations

Coleen Baik is an American designer, artist, and entrepreneur, known for her work in the tech industry, including as a founding team member of Twitter. Baik played a key role in shaping the user experience and design of Twitter in its early days, contributing to its iconic interface. She is also the founder of Baik Art, a multidisciplinary art studio that blends technology and visual art. Baik is passionate about using design to create meaningful and user-centered digital experiences, and she frequently speaks on topics related to innovation, design, and creativity. Her work has made her a prominent figure in the intersection of tech and design.

View Collection
Jocko Willink's Book Recommendations

Jocko Willink's Book Recommendations

Jocko Willink is a retired Navy SEAL officer, renowned for his leadership during the Battle of Ramadi in the Iraq War, which earned him the Silver Star and Bronze Star. Transitioning from military service, he co-authored the best-selling book "Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win" with fellow SEAL Leif Babin, which has become a cornerstone in leadership and management literature. Willink has also written the "Way of the Warrior Kid" series, aimed at empowering young readers with principles of discipline and resilience. Additionally, he hosts the popular "Jocko Podcast," where he discusses leadership, discipline, and personal development. Willink's influence extends beyond literature through his Echelon Front leadership consultancy, helping organizations implement effective leadership strategies.

View Collection
Anderson Cooper's Book Recommendations

Anderson Cooper's Book Recommendations

Anderson Cooper is an esteemed American journalist and television personality, best known for anchoring "Anderson Cooper 360°" on CNN. He has gained widespread recognition for his incisive reporting on major global events, earning multiple Emmy Awards for his work. Cooper is also an accomplished author, having penned the best-selling memoir "Dispatches from the Edge," which chronicles his experiences covering some of the world's most perilous conflicts and disasters. His literary contributions extend to "The Rainbow Comes and Goes," a poignant dialogue with his mother, Gloria Vanderbilt, that explores themes of family and resilience. Through his work in both journalism and literature, Cooper has made a significant impact on contemporary media and storytelling.

View Collection
Reid Hoffman's Book Recommendations

Reid Hoffman's Book Recommendations

Reid Hoffman is an influential American entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and author, best known as the co-founder of LinkedIn, the professional networking platform that transformed online professional interactions. Hoffman has significantly impacted the business world through his investments in notable tech companies like Airbnb, Facebook, and Zynga. As an author, he has co-written several acclaimed books, including "The Start-Up of You" and "Blitzscaling," which provide strategic insights into career development and business growth. His works are celebrated for their practical advice and have become essential reading for aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders. Hoffman's contributions extend beyond his literary efforts, as he remains a prominent figure in Silicon Valley, shaping the future of technology and innovation.

View Collection
Brad Feld's Book Recommendations

Brad Feld's Book Recommendations

Brad Feld is a prominent American entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and author known for his influential work in the startup ecosystem. Co-founder of the Foundry Group, he has played a pivotal role in funding and mentoring early-stage technology companies. Feld is also a key figure behind the Techstars accelerator program, which has helped launch numerous successful startups. As an author, he has penned several essential books on entrepreneurship and venture capital, including "Venture Deals" and "Startup Communities," which provide invaluable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and investors. His writings and active blogging have cemented his reputation as a thought leader in the tech and startup communities.

View Collection
Cory Booker's Book Recommendations

Cory Booker's Book Recommendations

Cory Booker is a prominent American politician and author, currently serving as the junior United States Senator from New Jersey since 2013. Before his tenure in the Senate, he was the Mayor of Newark, where he gained national recognition for his efforts to reduce crime and revitalize the city. Booker is also a published author, with his 2016 memoir, "United," offering an insightful look into his political career and personal philosophy centered on social justice and community activism. His literary work emphasizes themes of unity, compassion, and the importance of public service. Booker's contributions to literature and politics highlight his commitment to fostering a more equitable society.

View Collection
Noam Chomsky's Book Recommendations

Noam Chomsky's Book Recommendations

Noam Chomsky, born December 7, 1928, is an influential American linguist, philosopher, cognitive scientist, historian, and social critic. He revolutionized the field of linguistics with his theory of generative grammar, particularly through his seminal work, "Syntactic Structures" (1957). Chomsky's contributions extend beyond linguistics to political activism, where he is known for his critiques of U.S. foreign policy and media, encapsulated in works like "Manufacturing Consent" (1988). As a professor emeritus at MIT, his interdisciplinary approach has significantly impacted cognitive science, philosophy of language, and political thought. Chomsky remains a prolific author and speaker, continuing to shape academic and public discourses.

View Collection
Howard Stern's Book Recommendations

Howard Stern's Book Recommendations

Howard Stern is a renowned American radio and television personality, best known for his groundbreaking work on "The Howard Stern Show," which revolutionized the radio industry with its candid and often controversial content. He is also a successful author, with his autobiographical books, "Private Parts" (1993) and "Miss America" (1995), both becoming bestsellers and earning critical acclaim for their raw and humorous insights into his life and career. Stern's literary contributions extend to his 2019 book, "Howard Stern Comes Again," which features a collection of his most compelling interviews and personal reflections. His ability to blend entertainment with deeply personal storytelling has cemented his status as a significant figure in modern media and literature. Stern's influence continues to resonate, reflecting his unique voice and fearless approach to both broadcasting and writing.

View Collection
Howard Schultz's Book Recommendations

Howard Schultz's Book Recommendations

Howard Schultz is the former CEO of Starbucks, where he transformed the company into a global coffeehouse empire. Under his leadership, Starbucks grew from a small Seattle-based chain to a ubiquitous brand with thousands of stores worldwide. Schultz is also an accomplished author, known for his books "Pour Your Heart Into It" and "Onward," which delve into his personal journey and the business philosophies that drove Starbucks' success. His literary contributions offer valuable insights into entrepreneurship, leadership, and social responsibility. Schultz's work has inspired countless readers and aspiring business leaders around the globe.

View Collection
Nelson Mandela's Book Recommendations

Nelson Mandela's Book Recommendations

Nelson Mandela was a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary and political leader who became the country's first black president from 1994 to 1999. Renowned for his lifelong struggle against racial segregation, he spent 27 years in prison before his release in 1990, which marked a pivotal moment in South Africa's transition to a multiracial democracy. Mandela's literary contributions include his acclaimed autobiography, "Long Walk to Freedom," which chronicles his early life, education, and 27 years in prison. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 for his efforts to dismantle apartheid and foster reconciliation. Mandela's legacy endures as a symbol of resistance against oppression and a champion for peace and social justice.

View Collection
Jimmy Dore's Book Recommendations

Jimmy Dore's Book Recommendations

Jimmy Dore is a prominent American comedian, political commentator, and author known for his incisive critiques of mainstream media and politics. He gained widespread recognition through "The Jimmy Dore Show," a popular YouTube series and podcast that blends humor with sharp political analysis. Dore's written work includes the book "Your Country Is Just Not That Into You," where he employs his comedic prowess to dissect social and political issues facing America. His contributions to literature and media have made him a distinctive voice in progressive circles, often challenging conventional narratives. Beyond his writing, Dore's influence extends through his performances and public speaking engagements, where he continues to engage and provoke thought among his audience.

View Collection
Doris Kearns Goodwin's Book Recommendations

Doris Kearns Goodwin's Book Recommendations

Doris Kearns Goodwin is a Pulitzer Prize-winning American biographer and historian, best known for her in-depth explorations of U.S. presidents. Her notable works include Team of Rivals, which inspired the film Lincoln, and The Bully Pulpit. Goodwin’s expertise in American political history has made her a sought-after commentator on leadership and governance. She has won several prestigious awards for her work and continues to be an influential voice in historical scholarship. Goodwin is also a frequent guest on television news programs and documentaries.

View Collection
Adam Grant's Book Recommendations

Adam Grant's Book Recommendations

Adam Grant is a renowned organizational psychologist and bestselling author, celebrated for his influential work on motivation and workplace dynamics. He is a professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, where he has been the youngest tenured professor and earned numerous teaching awards. Grant's books, including "Give and Take," "Originals," and "Think Again," have been translated into multiple languages and have topped bestseller lists worldwide. His research and insights are frequently featured in major media outlets, and he hosts the popular podcast "WorkLife." Through his writing and speaking, Grant has profoundly impacted the fields of psychology, business, and education.

View Collection

"In the shadows of conventional warfare, the true battles of ingenuity and resilience are often fought by those unseen, whose tactics redefine the art of conflict."

Invisible Armies: An Epic History of Guerrilla Warfare from Ancient Times to the Present

By Max Boot

Frequently Asked Questions